Ethan Sullivan delivered a carefully selected suit to Kyle Grant's room.

He never forgot the life-saving grace from Dorset Village.

Ethan never left debts unpaid.

Returning to Sophia Laurent's side, he pulled her into his embrace.

His arms tightened around her as if trying to merge her into his very bones.

Sophia sensed the unusual turbulence in his emotions.

"What's wrong?" she asked softly.

"Missed you," he murmured, his deep voice laced with restrained intensity.

Sophia chuckled. "We've only been apart ten minutes."

"Ten minutes is too long." His grip tightened further.

She suddenly realized this man, so cold and commanding in public, became an affectionate boy around her.

Since her grandmother's passing, he'd grown even more tender and attentive.

The embrace lasted an eternity.

Sophia could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Ethan," she said suddenly, "you've been acting strange lately."

He gave a low laugh. "How so?"

"Like a startled rabbit, constantly checking if I'm still here."

Ethan captured her lips in a kiss.

The kiss was deep and urgent, charged with possessive anxiety.

"Because I love you," he whispered against her ear.

Sophia's heart skipped a beat.

"I love you too," she responded.

Ethan's eyes darkened. "How much?"

"More than you can imagine," Sophia said earnestly.

His sudden smile sent a tremor through her.

"Prove it," he coaxed in a husky voice.

Blushing, Sophia pinched his arm. "Master is waiting for us."

Reluctantly, Ethan released her.

Sophia picked up the hairdryer. "You'll catch cold with wet hair."

He obediently sat still, letting her fuss over him.

Amid the warm airflow, he caught her hand.

"Sophia," he said abruptly, "never leave me."

The words tightened her chest.

"Why would I leave you?" she countered.

Ethan didn't answer, only squeezed her hand tighter.

The banquet hall blazed with light.

Vincent Grandelle sat at the head table in festive traditional attire, though his complexion remained pale.

Isabella Valentine huddled in a corner, eyes red and swollen like a frightened rabbit.

Kyle Grant, seated at the main table, showed a flicker of emotion when Sophia entered.

Ethan noticed this subtle reaction instantly.

He smoothly drew Sophia closer.

"Sit beside me," he murmured.

Vincent welcomed them warmly.

"This is my final apprentice, Sophia Laurent," Vincent announced proudly to the assembled guests. "I trust you'll extend your guidance to her."

Though the room held titans of the antique world, they treated Ethan with deference.

"Rest assured, Mr. Sullivan, we'll take good care of Ms. Laurent."

Sophia marveled silently at the power of influence.

From the women's section, three pairs of eyes struck like vipers.

Isabella and Victoria Windsor quickly averted their gazes.

Only Diana Grandelle raised her glass in greeting, her smile gracious.

"My wife," Vincent introduced. "You may call her Madam."

Sophia offered respectful greetings while studying this new mentor's wife.

Diana's well-maintained features radiated shrewdness.

Her emerald-green cheongsam and jade earrings gleamed coldly under the lights.

Sophia sensed blades hidden behind that smile.

As she looked away, her gaze accidentally met Kyle's.

The emotion in his eyes made her pulse stutter.

Ethan suddenly stood.

"My wife and I are planning for children," he announced, raising his glass. "We'll take our leave now."

Kyle's wineglass tilted slightly.

The swirling liquid reflected his unreadable expression.